But the gathering bringing residents to the table is actually the city’s new farmers market.

The local chamber is heading up the new market that began this month. More than 15 vendors have already signed on, and Cherryville Federal Bank offered to become the event sponsor.

Weather made for a tough sell the first two weeks, but a warm, sunny Thursday brought out a crowd.

Harvey Sellers of Cherryville grasped a grocery bag stuffed with ears of corn.

Sellers said he frequents farmers markets, but likes to grow his own, too.

“Until my garden comes in, I like to pick some things up,” he said.

Tents littered the parking lot next to the chamber. Farmers talked about their crops of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, onions and potatoes.

Green Family Farm of Shelby sold breads and jellies, while a couple of other vendors sold crafts and handmade soaps.

The market is open to people who sell things other than produce, but fresh fruits and vegetables will make up most of the yield, according to Richard Randall, president of the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce.

While the market just opened this month, the seed was planted years ago, Randall said.

Randall assembled a panel of farmers, agricultural specialists and Cherryville residents to establish the game plan.

After looking at the schedule of markets in the area, the committee settled on Thursdays as the best opportunity.

“We thought it might be better to do an evening market rather than a daytime market,” said Randall.

And while it rained the first two Thursdays, people still came out, he said.

Randall noticed a stream of retirees strolling up as the market opened. People just getting off work trickled in after 5 p.m.

Local guitarist Michael Christian serenaded shoppers, while people waved and said hello to their neighbors.

Randall said that if the market continues to grow and flourish, a fall and winter market may be in store.

Want to go?

The Cherryville Farmers Market is held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at 220 E. Main St.